Pedestrian killed on State Road 200 near Pine Run

Published: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:43 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 9:52 a.m.

OCALA – A pedestrian died Wednesday night when he was struck by one vehicle and run over by another on State Road 200, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.

FHP identified the victim as Al Scott Benson, 53, of Ocala.

At the crash location near Southwest 88th Terrace, which is near the Pine Run subdivision and Kingsland Plaza, the accident blocked traffic heading east on SR 200 for more than three hours as troopers worked the scene. The crash occurred at 9:35 p.m., according to reports.

Though there is a traffic light at the intersection and light at the plaza, the section of the roadway where the accident occurred appeared dark.

The drivers of the two vehicles, a 2000 Crown Victoria and a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, declined to speak to a Star-Banner reporter about the crash. Neither the driver nor a passenger in the SUV was injured.

Troopers said the Jeep was in the right lane, heading east on the busy thoroughfare, when Benson stepped into the road and was hit.

The driver of the Jeep, Ramona J. Natal, 46, and her passenger, Daisy L. Natal, 27, both of Dunnellon, turned around and stopped at the scene.

Robert C. Johnson, 68, of Ocala, the driver of the Crown Victoria, was in the center lane, and his vehicle ran over Benson, officials said. He, too, remained at the scene until law enforcement and other emergency responders arrived.

Both drivers told troopers the traffic light was green and they never saw Benson. Authorities said it was not known if the pedestrian was in the walkway.

The Natals told troopers they were on their way to a fast food restaurant. Johnson said he was on his way home.

Benson was pronounced dead on scene at 9:43 p.m. by a Marion County Fire Rescue paramedic.

So far this year, there have been 19 traffic fatalities in Marion County. Of those deaths, four have involved pedestrians: one in the city of Ocala and three in unincorporated Marion County.

The deaths in the county all occurred on SR 200 within a mile of each other. According to FHP Sgt. Tammy Wildy, who is in charge of the Traffic Homicide Investigations unit for the Ocala office, those deaths were caused by a combination of factors, including that all three pedestrians were wearing dark clothing, were not paying attention to the roadway and "at least one of the deceased had a high alcohol level."

<p>OCALA – A pedestrian died Wednesday night when he was struck by one vehicle and run over by another on State Road 200, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.</p><p>FHP identified the victim as Al Scott Benson, 53, of Ocala.</p><p>At the crash location near Southwest 88th Terrace, which is near the Pine Run subdivision and Kingsland Plaza, the accident blocked traffic heading east on SR 200 for more than three hours as troopers worked the scene. The crash occurred at 9:35 p.m., according to reports.</p><p>Though there is a traffic light at the intersection and light at the plaza, the section of the roadway where the accident occurred appeared dark.</p><p>The drivers of the two vehicles, a 2000 Crown Victoria and a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, declined to speak to a Star-Banner reporter about the crash. Neither the driver nor a passenger in the SUV was injured.</p><p>Troopers said the Jeep was in the right lane, heading east on the busy thoroughfare, when Benson stepped into the road and was hit.</p><p>The driver of the Jeep, Ramona J. Natal, 46, and her passenger, Daisy L. Natal, 27, both of Dunnellon, turned around and stopped at the scene.</p><p>Robert C. Johnson, 68, of Ocala, the driver of the Crown Victoria, was in the center lane, and his vehicle ran over Benson, officials said. He, too, remained at the scene until law enforcement and other emergency responders arrived.</p><p>Both drivers told troopers the traffic light was green and they never saw Benson. Authorities said it was not known if the pedestrian was in the walkway.</p><p>The Natals told troopers they were on their way to a fast food restaurant. Johnson said he was on his way home.</p><p>Benson was pronounced dead on scene at 9:43 p.m. by a Marion County Fire Rescue paramedic.</p><p>So far this year, there have been 19 traffic fatalities in Marion County. Of those deaths, four have involved pedestrians: one in the city of Ocala and three in unincorporated Marion County.</p><p>The deaths in the county all occurred on SR 200 within a mile of each other. According to FHP Sgt. Tammy Wildy, who is in charge of the Traffic Homicide Investigations unit for the Ocala office, those deaths were caused by a combination of factors, including that all three pedestrians were wearing dark clothing, were not paying attention to the roadway and "at least one of the deceased had a high alcohol level."</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.</i></p>